*Description:*
In cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service Humboldt-Toiyabe National
Forest, the Great Basin Institute is recruiting a Botany Field Team Lead to
join our AmeriCorps program to work cooperatively with the GBI Research
Coordinator while responsible for a crew consisting of 1-4 botany
technicians and working with a larger crew of up to 10 members. The Field
Lead will help to coordinate and implement a variety of project-specific
biological surveys and habitat restoration projects. The Field Lead will be
responsible for the working directly with the Research Coordinator
conducting project activities, including ensuring adherence to protocols
and procedures, serving as a positive role model for other field team
members, and facilitating accurate completion and documentation of project
efforts.
The Field Team will conduct Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive plant
surveys across a large project area, as well as identify larval host and
nectar plants for butterflies of interest. Native seed collection for
ongoing restoration work may be conducted following Federal “Seeds of
Success” protocols. Restoration and enhancement activities may include:
identification and documentation of disturbed locations in sensitive
habitats; collecting seed of local genotypes of native plant species;
documenting encounters of State listed noxious weeds. Collectively, the
team is responsible for data collection, entry and analysis; report
writing; project planning and mapping; and other tasks assigned by SMNRA
resource biologists. Camping is required and may include both 4 days on
(with 3 days off) and 8 days on (with 6 days off) in remote areas of Nevada.
Opportunities to participate in training (e.g. GIS, Wilderness 1st Aid,
off-road driving) during the season may be available.
The crew member must be able to work in difficult terrain that may include
steep, rocky slopes, areas of dense trees, and lower elevation desert.
Exposure to a variety of adverse weather conditions are likely with average
day time temperatures above 100 degrees, night time temperature as low as
30, extreme sun exposure, and monsoonal rain events should all be expected.
This work is physically demanding and requires long hours of off-trail
hiking (up to 14 miles) while conducting surveys.
*Compensation & Timeline:*
One Position Available -24-week appointment (April 16 – September 29, 2018)
$ 10,215.00 Living Allowance
$2907.50 Education Award*
Student loan forbearance*
$15 field per diem
$75 weekly Housing Stipend
*Location:*
The base of operations for this opportunity is northwest of Las Vegas, NV
on the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. The successful applicant
will experience a tremendous diversity of habitat types from the Mojave
Desert habitat surrounding the SMNRA to the alpine ecosystem of Mt
Charleston (11,916 feet). Many developed and undeveloped recreational
opportunities are available in the region ranging from rock climbing and
bouldering, to mountain biking, hiking, and fishing.
*Qualifications:*
Technical requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in biology (botany, natural resource conservation,
ecology, ect.) or a related field;
- Coursework in and applied knowledge of plant taxonomy and ecology,
including use of technical botanical keys (dichotomous plant key without
pictures);
o Experience (one year) conducting floristic field surveys or vegetation
monitoring (e.g. repeat photography, or transect and quadrat systematic
sampling);
- Experience working with hand-held GPS equipment for navigation and
data collection;
o Experiencing collecting, preserving and mounting herbarium and voucher
specimens;
- Familiarity with plants of the area, including rare, sensitive,
threatened and endangered, preferable;
o Experience conducting restoration monitoring and maintenance work
(e.g., seed collection, hand tool use) preferred;
o Familiarity with, or proven ability and desire to learn specific State
and Federal laws and Forest Service policies related to plants;
- Knowledge of GIS software, preferred;
- Experience with technical writing and/or producing written project
reports; and
- Possess strong leadership and organizational skills with the ability
to lead and coordinate a four person crew in a remote setting.
Additional requirements:
- Ability to complete a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Background
Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to US Forest Service indicating an
active and fully adjudicated BI has been completed prior to beginning the
position.
- Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving
record;
- Ability to safely drive a 4WD vehicle on unpaved roads that can be
steep and rutted;
- Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in
all types of weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, carry upwards of
40 pounds in a backpack, and otherwise maintain good physical condition;
- Willingness to spend multiple days camping in the field;
- Ability to work productively, consistently and cooperatively as part
of a team to accomplish mutual goals;
- Familiarity with backcountry, low-impact principles preferred; and
- Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or
legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps
Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime or the equivalent of two
full-time education awards), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website
(NSOPW) and federal criminal background checks, (4) adhere to the rules,
regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service
Agreement; and (5) will not engage in any prohibited activities as listed
in the Member Service Agreement.
Please indicate which position timeline you are applying for in your cover
letter.
How to Apply:
Please visit our employment web page to apply directly through our online
portal:
http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=ECOLOG&req=
2018-ACI-008
We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal
employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage
women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to
all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all
qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without
regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender
identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information &
Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other
characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against
individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the
employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or
participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose
discrimination.
